Roman Catholics in South Korea are optimistic that the forthcoming visit of Pope Francis will help ease tensions and help to pave the way to a much-awaited reconciliation with its neighbor North Korea.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop of Seoul, said the people of South Korea are hopeful that the papal visit will produce the "greatest miracle," for the two Koreas to return to dialogue, reported CBCP News.

"In the Holy Land, the Pope invited the presidents of Israel and Palestine 'to his home' in the Vatican to pray together. Perhaps, Pope Francis might make a gesture of peace or detente for the two Koreas," said Yeom according to CBCP, the news service of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.

The Argentine-born pontiff is scheduled to travel to South Korea on August 14-18, his first Asian trip as the head of the Catholic Church, for the 6th Asian Youth Day, a weeklong event to be held in Daejon.

"Currently neither side shows any willingness to enter into dialogue, and this is one of the most frustrating things for us," noted Cardinal Yeom.

Tensions have erupted sporadically between the two Koreas in recent months, particularly along their maritime boundary.